Harrier with Catch

Gallery: AvianPosted January 18, 2013178 views11 comments

Taken at Ridgefield NWR in Washington state on Jan. 11, 2012. Canon EOS 7D, 1/2500, f5.6, ISO 400, 400mm. The Northern Harrier had just picked up its catch. I have a version that displays the whole bird but, to me, this heavier crop has more impact. Others may not see it this way! I'm a newbie to NPN and this is my first post to the Avian forum. Thanks for viewing!

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on January 18, 2013 at 8:56 AM

Looks like a neat photo with a good capture of the action. Would like to see a larger post before making comments, it looks a little soft. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on January 18, 2013 at 9:28 AM

Welcome to NPN! Keep them coming, I never get tired of looking at raptor pics. I agree with John, a large version would be nice.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on January 18, 2013 at 10:32 AM

Sweet Dennis,
This does have great impact, Well Done and Welcome.

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on January 18, 2013 at 11:38 AM

Dennis: Welcome to NPN, and thanks for posting in the Avian Gallery: This shot has a lot of "in your face" impact. Powerful. It feels very tight in the frame. I know you indicated you cropped and that is certainly a personal preference. I believe adding a bit more room would still provide the same impact, yet allow for a composition that flows and has room for implied motion.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Davenport on January 18, 2013 at 1:21 PM

Thanks all for the comments and critiques. As requested, here is a version of the image that includes the entire bird. I left more green in the grass on this one.

Registered on January 17, 2013, 1 Posts, 2 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 18, 2013 at 8:52 PM

Welcome to NPN. I like the second post much better as it shows the entire wing spread with that wonderful feather display. You can still easily get a sense of the action, nice job in getting this.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 18, 2013 at 9:56 PM

Welcome!
I also prefer the second version, as it showcases the umpressive wingspan.
It's always tempting to crop a nice image closely, but it often isn't the best idea.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on January 19, 2013 at 9:18 AM

Dennis, I much prefer the repost, I think it has much more impact. Thanks for reposting, and welcome to NPN.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Dottie Short on January 19, 2013 at 1:15 PM

Yea! I like this pose. To me it's about the catch and not about the complete wing span. Nice shot Dennis.

PS: After seeing the complete bird, I like it better. Thanks for posting.

Registered on April 12, 2010, 61 Posts, 375 Comments

Comment posted by Marlise Launstein on January 19, 2013 at 3:39 PM

This is a really nice picture!!! I like his feather detail,and the prey and grass hanging from his talons looks really cool! I also like how the one wing is cut out of the picture,looks really nice!

Registered on August 31, 2011, 28 Posts, 175 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Clinch on January 20, 2013 at 12:39 PM

The repost is definitely the stronger of the two images. Both are great, but the inclusion of more of the colorful surroundings and full wings has great impact. Great exposure and detail in the wings. Welcome to NPN, looking forward to see more images.

Registered on January 5, 2013, 37 Posts, 261 Comments